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epithelial pearl

 - 7 dictionary results

pearl

1  [purl]
–noun
1. a smooth, rounded bead formed within the shells of certain mollusks and composed of the mineral aragonite or calcite in a matrix, deposited in concentric layers as a protective coating around an irritating foreign object: valued as a gem when lustrous and finely colored. Compare cultured pearl.
2. something resembling this, as various synthetic substances for use in costume jewelry.
3. something similar in form, luster, etc., as a dewdrop or a capsule of medicine.
4. something precious or choice; the finest example of anything: pearls of wisdom.
5. a very pale gray approaching white but commonly with a bluish tinge.
6. mother-of-pearl: a pearl-handled revolver.
7. Printing. a 5-point type.
8. Also called epithelial pearl. Pathology. a rounded mass of keratin occurring in certain carcinomas of the skin.
–verb (used with object)
9. to adorn or stud with or as with pearls.
10. to make like pearls, as in form or color.
–verb (used without object)
11. to dive, fish, or search for pearls.
12. to assume a pearllike form or appearance.
–adjective
13. resembling a pearl in form or color.
14. of or pertaining to pearls: pearl diving.
15. set with a pearl or pearls or covered or inlaid with pearls or mother-of-pearl: a pearl necklace.
16. having or reduced to small, rounded grains.
—Idiom
17. cast pearls before swine, to offer or give something of great value to those incapable of appreciating it: She read them Shakespeare but it was casting pearls before swine.
Origin:
1300–50; ME perle < MF < It or assumed VL *perla (> G Perle, OE pærl), for L *pernula (> Pg perola, perh. OS përula), dim. of L perna sea mussel

Related forms:
pearler, noun
pearlish, adjective
pearllike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

pearl 
1258, from O.Fr. perle (13c.), M.L. perla (1244), of unknown origin. Perhaps from V.L. *pernula, dim. of L. perna in Sicily, "pearl," earlier "sea-mussel," lit. "ham," so called for the shape of the mollusk shells. Another theory connects it with the root of pear, also somehow based on shape. The usual L. word for "pearl" was margarita. Pearl Harbor translates Hawaiian Wai Momi, lit. "pearl waters;" transf. sense of "effective sudden attack" is attested from 1942 (in ref. to Dec. 7, 1941).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: pearl
Pronunciation: 'p&rl
Function: noun
1 : PERLE
2 : one of the rounded concentric masses of squamous epithelial cells characteristic of certain tumors
3 : a miliary leproma of the iris
4 : arounded abnormal mass of enamel on a tooth
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

epithelial pearl n.
See keratin pearl.

pearl (pûrl)
n.

  1. A small sphere of thin glass containing amyl nitrite or other volatile fluid, designed to be crushed, as in a handkerchief, so that its contents can be inhaled.

  2. Any of a number of small tough masses of mucus occurring in the sputum in asthma.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
pearl   (pûrl)  Pronunciation Key 
A smooth, slightly iridescent, white or grayish rounded growth inside the shells of some mollusks. Pearls form as a reaction to the presence of a foreign particle, and consist of thin layers of mother-of-pearl that are deposited around the particle. The pearls of oysters are often valued as gems.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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